Predictive markers help to anticipate treatment response and resistance to targeted therapies. Prognostic biomarkers evaluate the risk of lethal prostate cancer. The biomarker discovery and selection for development is primarily based on biological concepts and mechanisms. Metastasizing cancer cells change their shape, digest the surrounding tissue and become invasive. The responsible mechanisms for tumor metastasis are both cell autonomous and induced by environmental factors.

One ligand/receptor system for metastasis is the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor, c-MET. c-Met is expressed in normal and neoplastic prostate cells and promotes cell-cell dissociation through downregulation of E-cadherin, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (E-M-T). In light of extensive drug development to inhibit c-MET activity in cancers, a better understanding of c-MET's activity during prostate cancer, metastasis is critical to guide treatment decisions with HGF/c-MET inhibitors.

Working in partnership with the Carter Lab in the Basic Science Division, we are investigating the role of Gp140. Gp140 is a cell-cell adhesion receptor which regulates cell shape and motility.

•  The interaction of prostate cancer cells with the microenvironment in the prostate and the bone marrow
• Contrasting E-cadherin expressing negative cells
• Clinical outcomes studies with functional biomarkers (Gp140/CDCPI, src kinase)
• Predictive biomarker development for the HGF/c-Met pathway

• Primary cell culture models
• Organotypic culture systems
• Human prostate tissues from patients